ABUJA, Nigeria – Thailand is expanding political, economic, and development ties with Africa as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow made his first visit to Nigeria. In Abuja, he met Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to discuss bilateral relations and Thailand’s renewed engagement with Africa under the Thailand-Africa framework. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation and agreed to pursue projects in aquaculture technology and sustainable agriculture. Discussions also covered technology transfer, skills development, trade, and investment. Nigeria was Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa in 2025, with bilateral trade valued at about US$1.2 billion.
Sihasak also met Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, to discuss closer ties between Thailand, West Africa, and ASEAN. Thailand has appointed Ambassador to Nigeria Thirapath Mongkolnavin as its first permanent representative to the Economic Community of West African States, and potential areas of cooperation include public health, economic development, and knowledge sharing. Sihasak also attended the Thailand-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos on August 27, where Thai businesses explored trade and investment opportunities. He is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia on Aug 28 for talks with the African Union, continuing Thailand’s efforts to broaden bilateral and regional engagement across Africa. (NNT)
